Swiftly coming to the US by 2010

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Joey D

Joey D

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Suzuki Swift coming to the U.S. in 2010

Source: Autoblog, Leftlanenews, Automotive News

suzuki_swift_us_bound.jpg


The market for budget-priced, hot hatches in the U.S. has dwindled over the last two decades, with most of the major players either inflating prices or dropping out altogether. However, according to Automotive News, Suzuki execs have confirmed that the next generation Swift will finally make its way to U.S. shores, likely sometime in 2010.

The Swift and its Sport-y sibling are currently sold in Japan and Europe, gaining a significant amount of praise from consumers abroad looking for an entertaining compact that appeals to both cheapskates and enthusiasts alike.

The current Swift Sport, in European guise, comes equipped with a 1.6-liter VVT engine, creating 125 HP and sending power to the front wheels via a close-ratio five-speed transmission. Considering that the current Sport tips the scales at around 400 pounds less than a Mini Cooper S, it will provide more bang-for-the-buck than any vehicle available –- especially if it comes in under $15-large.
 
It's a great looking car and is quite highly praised.

Though the old little-car-versus-SUVs topic is abit worrying.
 
Thank god. Suzuki hasn't had a good driving car since the disaster that was the Aerio, and hasn't had a good car since, um...
The Samurai?
 
Awsome! The Swift is a brilliant little car. YSS and I have been begging Suzuki to bring it over here for a while. :sly: Can't wait.
 
Yes, and I'm quite excited by the news. Although, that being said, 2010 is still a long-way off in the distance, and God-knows how long Suzuki will last in its current state...

...This, this is the car that could 'save' Suzuki at least in the US, given the overwhelmingly positive reception it has had outside of country. As a matter of fact, even I would consider buying one...
 
Jim Prower
Wait...don't we have the SX4? Isn't that the same thing?
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Not quite; that's actually a Fiat/Suzuki car, and I'm trying to remember which platform it's on. Something Focus-sized?

Anywho, so we won't be getting the current, highly-praised model, but it's replacement, in 2010? Well, in that case, I hope Suzuki doesn't tinker much with the concept and it's really only a light upgrade. I really like the looks and sounds of the current Swift Sport, and it'd be awesome if it isn't diluted and bigger in the next generation.
 
I've been waiting for a quite while now. Suzuki didn't follow through on their last plan to export(to N.A.) the current generation Swift, so I'm not holding my breath.
 
SlipZtrEm
Not quite; that's actually a Fiat/Suzuki car, and I'm trying to remember which platform it's on. Something Focus-sized?
Click to expand...

Here is something I did after test driving the SX4. I liked it but it needed more power. I would say that it was smaller than a focus however.
 
SX4 looks pretty nice, but I was immediately turned off by the engine. It's not powerful, it's not fuel efficient. It's half-assed, just like the one in Ariel.
 
thats great news. i always said i would buy a turbo one if i could. now i can put my money where my mouth is 💡
 
Cool! Now you have only 3 years to wait!👍

2010 might be a little late in the game.
 
A little late? Considering how fast the Suzuki name is deteriorating in the US, its going to be too late, probably...

Still, I'd buy one...
 
YSSMAN
A little late? Considering how fast the Suzuki name is deteriorating in the US, its going to be too late, probably...

Still, I'd buy one...
Click to expand...

Really? I've just perused the Suzuki US website and the only car I personally think could do with being replaced is the Aerio.

The interior looks extremely poor.
Other than that, it looks to be the same as the Euro range, which is better than you might expect for a budget Japanese manufacturer.
 
The only thing Suzuki sells in the states are motorcycles and dirt bikes...and even then most people would rather have a Honda or Yamaha.
 
I'm not sure if you are being serious, Joey, but Suzuki just redesigned the Grand Vitara and XL-7 and introduced the SX4. They also still have the terrible rebadged Daewoos to sell.
YSSMAN
A little late? Considering how fast the Suzuki name is deteriorating in the US, its going to be too late, probably...
Click to expand...
Suzuki posted record sales in 2006, and if the car business tanks they could always switch over to the more lauded motorcycle business exclusively.
 
Oh I meant the only things that actually sell, I know they sell cars and SUV's but no one buys them, at least around here. I don't even know where I would go to buy a Suzuki car, I can't think of a dealer in the area.
 
Joey D
Oh I meant the only things that actually sell, I know they sell cars and SUV's but no one buys them, at least around here. I don't even know where I would go to buy a Suzuki car, I can't think of a dealer in the area.
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I too see them very rarely, as a Suzuki dealer recently closed for about a year or so, and was then picked up by a Chrysler dealer as an add-on. You'll see the occasional XL-7 (I saw my first new one the other day) and maybe an Aerio, but the rest are quite rare. Maybe a few Forenzas (not a horrible car, but it could have been a lot better), but thats about it...

I look at it this way: As a builder of some of the best motorcycles, ATVs, etc why can't they replicate that performance in their cars? My only argument is that they haven't had a good reputation for quality, and have never really sold attractive cars here in the US. Granted, their ItalDesign models that debuted recently looked great, but as rebadged Daewoo products, they aren't fooling anyone.

The Swift could turn things around, and I know that there are a lot of young people who would take interest in the car. But I just don't know if it will be as easily accepted as some of us may think it would be...
 

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